HOUSTON –

Group 1 Automotive said this week it has launched an online car-buying platform in the U.S. called AcceleRide that will let shoppers buy new or used cars completely online without leaving home — if they so choose.

Consumers can utilize the platform to browse more than 38,000 cars; customize options like vehicle configuration, accessories and warranty coverage; choose payment method/financing options; and select where they want the purchase delivered, be it home, office or a preferred dealership.

"During our extensive pilot program, we made a concerted effort to optimize the digital path-to-purchase to give customers more options for quick, simple, hassle-free ways to buy a vehicle with their desired preferences. Customers may also choose a variety of financing options, evaluate their trade-in, and opt for home delivery," said Daryl Kenningham, Group 1's president of U.S. operations, in a news release.

Kenningham said 79 of Group 1’s U.S. dealerships now have the AcceleRide platform available. The plan is for all 116 U.S. stores to have it available by summer’s end, he said.

Factory rebates and incentive offers are also integrated within AcceleRide. Additionally, shoppers can complete the trade-in details online through the platform, Group 1 said.

"We're focused on making the complete online car buying experience convenient, interactive, and even more accessible for customers,” Kenningham said.

More info on AcceleRide can be found at www.group1auto.com/acceleride.